Mach Picchu viewed from the cargo entry gateMachu Picchu was supplied with goods from Cuzco by pack trains of llamas. They travelled over what is now known as the Inca Trail. Hiking the old Inca Trail is a popular tourist attraction in present day Peru.

Entry portalHuayna Picchu is viewed through the main entry portal.

Dwelling with thatched roofAll buildings in Machu Picchu had thacthed roofs. This is a modern replacement, rather than an original roof. Thatching was common in many cultures from Europe to the Pacific islands.

StairwayMachu Picchu is built on many different levels. The levels are reached by stone stairways throughout the compound. This particular stairway leads to a drop of several hundred feet down into the Urubamba Valley.

Huayna PicchuMany tourist who visit Machu Picchu like to climb Huayna Picchu. Only 400 people a day are allowed to do this. Depending on the skills of the climber it can take from 20 minutes up to an hour to make the climb. There is a fantastic view of Machu Picchu as a reward for the climber who makes it.

The "most beautiful wall"Hiram Bingdam declared this to be the most beautiful wall in America.

Inside the "most Beautiful wall"This is the inside view of the "most beautiful wall" showing pegs and niches.

TerracesAgriculture at Machu Picchu took place on terraces. Terracing was found throughout the Andes. This is a common practice, not only in the Andes, but in many cultures with steep terrains. Terracing increases the amount of tillable land on a steep slope.

LlamaMany llamas are at home at Machu Picchu, much as the must have been when the city was at its pinnacle. They were the principle means of transportation in the Inca empire. Today they wander all over the compound more or less oblivious to the tourists. Llamas are members of the camel family, if annoyed, they will spit at their tormentor.

Urubamba ValleyThe outer wall of Machu Picchu. In the foreground are some terraces. The river below is the Urubamba which flows out of the Andes past Cuzco thruough the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu is located high in the Andes and was not discovered by Hiriam Bingham until 1911 after many years of searching.

MortarsThese two depressions, often referred to as mortars, are located in a roofless building in the Group of the Mortars. They may have been used as grinding stones since Bingham found a rocker nearby. It has also been suggested that they served an astronomical purpose. If filled with water they would have reflected the sky. Their purpose is still being debated. The one thing that everyone agrees on is that the building was without a roof.

Temple of the SunThe Temple of the Sun is the only structure at Machu Picchu with a curved wall. The wall was designed to lean slightly inward for greater stability.